Sock drying machine



y 16, 1940. w. M. CISSELL sock DRYING MACHINE Filed Nov; 14, 1958 zsneets-simz 1 via 4 w. M. CISSELL v so'cx DRYING MACHINE Filed Nov. 14,, 1938 July 16, 1 40;

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTC'JR IVz/lzam [1 C166 ell ATTOR.NEY

Patented July 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE soon name MACHINE William M. Cissell, near Louisville, Ky. Application November 14, 1938, Serial No. 240,310

' 21 Claims. ((1223-76) sures, that restrict the operators manipulation of the sock, drying forms. 1

- A further object of my invention is to provide a machine that utilizes the heating medium employed in the drying of the socks in the most efiicient and economical manner.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a machine in which a plurality of sock forms are preferablymanually rotated about an axle, or moved in a manner so that each sock form is presented before the operator for clothing with a wet sock, and subsequently re-presented to the operator for unclothing same of the dried sock.

Another object of my invention is to provide a machine that employs a hollow sock form having suitable perforations or reticulations through which heated air is moved from the interior of the form, through the sock and directed to a suitable exhaust.

A further object of my invention is to provide a machine having a sock form constructed and arranged so that it can be readily and easily changed to accommodate various sizes, shapes and styles of socks, etc.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a machine having sock forms constructed and arranged to collect and direct heated air to the various portions of the wet sock so as to efiect rapid and uniform drying thereof.

My invention further comprehends a machine constructed and arranged so that the heated air expelled through the socks is withdrawn rapidly through a suitable exhaust arrangement, thus maintaining the temperature of the free air surrounding the machine at a comparatively low level.

The advantages of these and other objects will be apparent as the annexed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of my drying machine showing the damper 4 in closed position;

-Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 3 showing the arrangement of the sock drying forms on the rotatable table l3;

Fig. 3 -is a partial elevational view of my drying machine showing only one of the forms so that its relation to the other parts of the will be clearly understood;

Fig. 4 is a partial elevational sectional view machine taken along lines 4-4:- ,of Fig. 3 showing the construction and relation of the heating coils l5, circulating fan I l, sock form 8, Venturi tube '6 and exhaust canopy 2;

Fig. 5, is an enlarged sectional view showing a sock form tilted into its unclothing position;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail showing the construction of the pivotal mounting for the sock orm;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along lines 1'l of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of Fig. 4 showing the construction of the rotatable mounting for the form table l3;

Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view along lines 9-9 of Fig. and

Fig. 10 is a partial sectional View taken along lines Ill-l0 of Fig. 6.

Heretofore various types of machines and various combinations of instrumentalities have been employed for drying articles on forms. However, these machines have been both expensive in construction and in operation. Also, because of various enclosures, drying chambers, etc., the machine operators have been greatly restricted in their manipulation of the machines, which has in turn limited the output capacity of such machines. Thus, the purpose of the machine about to be described is to provide a comparatively cheap, rugged and compact drying machine especially useful for drying and shaping knitted articles such as stockings, socks, etc. However, it is to be understood that I do not desire to be limited solely to the drying of such articles, as the principles and constructions employed in my machine may be adapted in the construction of machines for drying many types of kindred articles.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings,

it will be observed that my drier comprises a rotatable table l3 carrying a plurality of sock forms 8, each of which are pivotally secured to the table 13 by pins l2 in mounting lugs I'l.

This pivotal arrangement of each sock form is provided to facilitate clothing and unclothing therefor. Obviously, in the illustrated arrangement of the sock forms 8 about the perimeter of the table l3, each form, when in its vertical position, is compactly located in the central portion of the table. Thus, the heated .air expelled through each corresponding Wet sock is directed toward and collected by the exhaust canopy 2, which canopy is adjustably located above the table top. Thus, practically none of the heated air expelled through the socks escapes the canopy. In fact to assure that none of the expelled air escapes the canopy, a suction is constantly maintained in the canopy, which suction not only draws the expelled air into the exhaust conduit 3, but air from the space surrounding the machine. This arrangement is an important feature of my drier, and, as it is provided for in a very novel manner, its construction and operation will be dealt with in detail hereinafter.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 it will be observed that each sock form 8 is composed of a hollow support 88 having a reticulated construction, and a shaping member 8), which member is frictionally held in the hollow support 8s by suitable spring clips 80. It is also important to observe that the shaping member is provided with vanes 80, which vanes serve to both hold the sock in expanded form and direct the heated air to the foot, heel and toe portions of the sock, so as to effect uniform and rapid drying thereof.

Therefore it will be apparent that in order to accommodate diflerent sizes, styles, etc., the shaping portion 8! is easily and readily removable by the operator and replaced with the required shaping portion. Thus the machine is capable of simultaneously drying various articles of various sizes and shapes, which can be changed at the will of the operator without shutting down the machine or materially affecting its operation.

In Figs. 2, 4, 5 and 7 it will be observed that the rotatable table I 3 is provided with a series of apertures I30, one for each hollow support 8s. Thus, it will be obvious that, when each sock form 8 is in its vertical position. the lower opening of each corresponding hollow support 8s is aligned with its corresponding aperture I30. Accordingly when each sock form 8 is in its vertical position, hot air is forced through the aperture into the hollow support and thence directed by vanes 81; to the various portions of the sock and expelled therethrough.

However, when each sock form is tilted, as shown in Fig. 5, the lower opening of the hollow support is moved out of alignment with its aperture l3c. Accordingly, when the sock form is tilted, hot air is not forced into the hollow support 88, and the operator in unclothing and re-clothing the sock form is not subjected to a draft of hot air.

Returning now to the construction of my drier it will be observed in Fig. 4 that the rotatable table I3 is secured to a central spider l3b, which spider is in turn pivotally attached to a stationary support II. p

Fig. 8 illustrates the construction of this pivotal attachment. The stationary support l4 consists of radial arms having a central hub "a. Within hub Ila, thmst bearings llb are mounted. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the outer race of each bearing is pressed into corresponding seats in hub Ma, while the inner races are secured to the vertical shaft 9 by nuts 8n. 7

The outer extremities of the radial arms connecting hub Ma terminate in an annular ring, which ring is in turn secured to the base member l9 through suitable uprights Me. It is to be understood that the base member l9 likewise consists of a series of radialarms connecting a central boss I90. to an annular ring I91, which ring is provided with suitable mounting feet for the machine.

Referring in detail to Fig. 4, it will be observed that a motor I8 is supported on the central boss l9a, which motor rotates a fan II for forcing air over the heating coils i5, as indicated by arrows 20. Obviously the air that is forced under presure over heating coils I! passesthroughthe respective apertures "c into the various forms.

A reticulated or perforated covering surrounds the fan compartment formed by the uprights llc, accordingly providing an adequate intake for the fan.

A solid skirt or apron 22 is secured around the perimeter of the table l3, which skirt extends below the top edge of the reticulated covering 2!. Accordingly, any of the air that leaks between the skirt 22 and reticulated covering 2| is drawn through the reticulated covering and re-circulated through the heating coil chamber surrounded by the skirt 22.

I also provide a second skirt or apron 23, which skirt is secured to and surrounds the central spider member l3b. As illustrated in Fig. 4, skirt 23 is likewise solid and extends below the heating coils l5 and into the path of the cool air forced into the heating chamber by fan [1. Thus, a portion of the cool air circulated by fan I1 is collected by the skirt 23 and directed through the openings B11 in the central spider, andthence through the Venturi tube 6 into the exhaust conduit 3, as illustrated by arrows 24. Accordingly, the cool air from fan I! that is diverted by skirt 23, and directed into the exhaust conduit 3, creates a suction in the canopyrand accelerates the discharge of the heated air expelled through th sock forms.

It is also to be observed that the Venturi tube 6 is secured to a cap member I312, which member is secured to the central portion oftable B.

The canopy 2 is secured to a spider 25 having a series of radial arms connecting an outer annular ring 25a to a central hub 25b. The central hub 25b is apertured and receives the upper end of tube 6. In order that the canopy can be always placed in its best operating position, the central hub 25b is provided with clamping set screws, which allow the canopy to be set in the required position. Obviously, therefore, the canopy 2 rotates with the table l3.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention the heating coils l5 are merely symbolically represented, but it is to be understood that these are connected by suitable supply and return lines passing through the fan chamber. It is to be also understood that various other heating mediums, such as electrical space heaters, fuel heated 'hot plates, etc., canbe substituted therefor without departing from the spirit of my invention. When heating coils are employed, the coils are provided with radiating fins so as to increase correspondingly the heat transfer.

To control the discharge of the exhaust gases through the conduit 3 I have shown a damper 4 having a suitable handle 40. Normally this damper is in its open position.

To control the suction created by the air passing through theVenturi tube a, I have similarly shown a damper I having a suitable handle Ia. Normally this damper is in its open position.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 7 it will be observed that arms Ila serve to limit the outward tilting of the corresponding sock form.

Thus, with a form tilted the machine operator removes the dry sock and replaces same with a wet sock, which will be dried by forcing air therethrough when the sock form is restored to its vertical position.

As soon as the form is restored to its vertical position by the operator, the operator then rotates the table to bring the next form into con- 75 venient position for unclothing and re-clothing.

Thus, as each dry sock is removed and replaced with a wet sock, the wet socks are dried as the table is progressively rotated by the operator.

Therefore, I have provided my drying machine with a sufficient number of drying forms, so that with the fastest operator, a wet sock is dried before completing its full movement of one revolution.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the operator is not restricted to assume one definite and fixed position for unclothing and re-clothing the sock forms, but is permitted to move about to facilitate the most rapid manipulation of the machine.

Thus, it will be apparent that my invention resides in the production of a simple and efficient machine for drying articles, while the articles are being progressively rotated about an axle as the result of an operator rotating each dried article into convenient unclothing position.

In the foregoing description, it is believed that the sequence of operations associated in the present invention, together with the novel features of construction have been sufficiently expressed so that the advantages are self evident. Therefore, I desire to point out that the particular embodiment described and illustrated is only representative of one of the many forms in which these operations and constructions may be incorporated into an efficient and practicable machine. Therefore, the right is accordingly reserved to make all such reasonable changes and variations, which fairly lie within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A drying machine having, in combination, a reticulated guard forming a cylindrical chamber; an upwardly delivering fan within said chamber; a rotatable table horizontally mounted above the said fan concentric with the said chamber, and having a depending flange extending below and surrounding the upperedge of the said chamber, the said flange thus forming a second chamber for receiving the air delivered by the said fan; a heating element mounted within the said second chamber; the said table having a plurality of apertures formed therein providing exhaust outlets for the air received by and heated within the said second chamber; and a plurality of hollow drying forms of reticulated construction each secured to the upper surface of the said table in alignment with an aperture thereof, and adapted to be clothed with a wet article to be dried by the hot air forced therethrough.

2. A drying machine having, in combination, a framework formed of upper and lower rings having vertical bars connecting the said rings; a vertical guard of reticulated construction supported by the said framework; a cross bar within the said guard supported by the said framework; a motor supported by the said cross bar having an upwardly extending shaft; a fan fixed to the said shaft; a table rotatably mounted on the said framework horizontally above the said fan, thus forming a covering for the upper opening of the said framework; a heating element mounted within the said framework above the said fan; the said table having a plurality of apertures therein through which hot air is forced by the said fan;

and a plurality of hollow drying forms each secured to the upper surface of the said table in alignment with an aperture thereof, and adapted to be clothed with a wet article to be dried by the hot air forced therethrough.

3. An apparatus of the character described comprising, in combination, a reticulated vertical guard; an upwardly delivering fan within said guard; a heating element above the said fan in the path of the air delivered thereby; a rotatable table mounted horizontally above the said heating element having a depending flange extending below and surrounding the said heating element thus forming a chamber for receiving the heated air; a plurality of apertures in the said table forming exhaust outlets for the heated air received in the said chamber; an article drying form associated with each of the said exhaust apertures; a supporting post associated with the said table and extending above it; and a canopy fixedly secured to the said supporting post for collecting the hot air exhausted through the said apertures.

4. A drying machine having, in combination, a reticulated vertical guard; an upwardly delivering fan within said guard; a rotatable table horizontally mounted above the said guard having a plurality of hollow drying forms of reticulated construction positioned around the perimeter of the said table, the said table having a plurality of apertures formed therein, one for each of the said drying forms and communicating with the interior thereof thus forming an exhaust outlet for the air delivered by the said fan through the said reticulated forms; a supporting post associated with the said table and extending above it; and a canopy secured to the said post for collecting the air delivered by the said fan through the said forms.

5. A sock drying machine having, in combination, an upwardly delivering fan; a reticulated vertical guard surrounding thesaid fan; a heating element positioned above the said fan in the path of the air delivered by the said fan; a rotatable table horizontally mounted above the said heating element having 2. depending flange extending below and surrounding the said heating element, thus forming a chamber for receiving the air delivered by the said fan over the said heating element; a plurality of sock drying forms positioned around the perimeter of the said table, each form being constructed and arranged to maintain a socket clothed thereon in expanded form; and a conduit for each form communieating with the said chamber and the interior of the expanded sock for exhausting the heated air within the chamber through the clothed sock.

6. A sock drying machine having in combination, an upwardly delivering fan; a heating elemerit positioned above the said fan in the path of the air delivered by the said fan; a rotatable table horizontally mounted above the said heat ing element having a depending flange around the perimeter thereof extending below and surrounding the said heating element, thus forming a chamber beneath the said table for receiving the air delivered by the fan over the said heating element; a plurality of sock drying forms positioned around the perimeter of the table, each form being constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form; and means, associated with each form, providing an exhaust outlet for the heated air within the chamber through the wet sock clothed on each respective form.

'7. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a rotatable table having a depending flange around the perimeter thereof a chamber beneath the top surface of the said table; means delivering a flow of warm air into the said chamthe path of the air circulated thereby; a rotather; a plurality of sock drying forms positioned around the perimeter of the table, each form being constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form; and means, associated with each respective form, providing an exhaust outlet for the heated air within the chamber through the sock on each respective form.

8. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a rotatable table having a plurality of sock drying forms positioned around the perimeter of the table, each form pivotally secured to the said table top for tilting radially of the said table from a vertical drying position to an outward angular position for clothing and unclothing by an operator, and constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form; and means cooperating with each form, when the same is in its vertical drying position, for directing a flow of warm air into the interior of the expanded sock.

9. In a sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a rotatable table having a plurality of sock drying forms located around the perimeter thereof, each sock form being pivotally secured to the said table for tilting radially outwardly from an upright drying position to an outward position for unclothing and reclothing by an operator; the said operator intermittently rotating the said table for bringing each form containing a dried sock into an accessible position, then tilting the accessible form outwardly for unclothing and reclothing respectively, and then restoring the re-clothed form into its upright drying position; and means cooperating with each clothed form in its upright position for directing a flow of warm air into the interior of the sock clothed thereon.

10. A sock drying machine comprising in combination, a base; a fan secured to the said base; a rotatable table mounted horizontally above the said fan; a plurality of sock drying forms located around the perimeter of the said table, each form constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form; an upright hollow post associated with the said table and extending above it; a canopy secured to the upper end of the said post for collecting and removing moisture evaporated from the wet socl$ clothed on the said forms; means associated with the said forms for collecting and directing air circulated by the said fan into the interior of the socks clothed on each respective form for accelerating the evaporation of moisture therefrom; and means associated with the said hollow post for collecting a portion of the air circulated by the said fan and directing the same through the hollow post into the saidcanopy for creating a suction therein to accelerate the removal of the moisture evaporated from the wet socks.

11. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a base; a fan secured to the said base; a heating element mounted above the said fan in able table mounted horizontally above the said heating element; a plurality of sock drying forms located around the perimeter of the said table, each form being constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form; an exhaust canopy mounted. horizontally above the said drying forms for collecting and removing moisture evaporated from the wet socks; means associated with the said forms for collecting and directing the air circulated by the.

fan over the said heating element into the interior of the socks clothed on each respective form for accelerating the evaporation of moisture therefrom; and means associated with the said canopy for collecting a portion of the air circulated by the said fan and directing the same into the said canopy for constantly maintaining a suction therein to accelerate the removal of the moisture evaporated from the wet socks.

12. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a base; a fan secured to the said base; a rotatable table mounted horizontally above the said fan; a plurality of sock drying forms located around the perimeter of the said table; a hollow post fixedly secured to the said table, at the axis of rotation thereof, and extending vertically from the upper surface of the said table; a canopy secured to the upper end of the said post for collecting and removing moisture evaporated from wet socks clothed on the said forms; and means associated with the said hollow post, for collecting air circulated by the said fan and directing the same through the hollow post into the said canopy for creating a suction therein to accelerate the removal of the moisture evaporated from the wet socks.

13. In a sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a rotatable table having a plurality of sock drying forms located around the perimeter thereof, each form constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded form and movably mounted on said table for movement radially outwardly from a drying position to an outward position for unclothing and reclothing by an operator, the said operator intermittentlyrotating the said table for bringing each form containing a dried sock into an accessible position, then moving the accessible form outwardly for unclothing and reclothing respectively, and then restoring the rean upwardly delivering fan within said guard; a

heating element mounted above the said fan in the path of the air delivered thereby; a rotatable table mounted horizontally above the said heat ing element, the said table having a depending flange extending below and surrounding the upper-end of the said reticulated guard, thus forming a chamber for receiving the heated air circulated by the fan; and a plurality of article drying forms mounted on the upper surface of the said table, the said table having a plurality of apertures, at least one for each form, forming exhaust outlets for the heated air received inthe said chamber.

15. A sock drying machine comprising, incombination a base; a horizontal table rotatably mounted on the said base, the said table having a plurality of sock drying forms positioned around the perimeter thereof, each form constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in' expanded form-j means cooperating with each form for directing a flow of warm air through the top opening of each expanded sock into the interior thereof, the air thus directed into the interior of the expanded socks being expelled through the weavethereof for drying the same; a supporting post associated with the said table and extending above it; and a canopy secured to the said post, constructed and arranged to collect the air expelled through the weave of the said socks.

16. A sock drying machine having, in combination, an upwardly delivering fan; a heating element positioned above the said fan in the path of the air delivered by the said fan; a table mounted horizontally above the said heating element having a depending flange extending below and surrounding the said heating element, thus forming a chamber beneath the said table for receiving air delivered by the fan over the said heating element; and a plurality of sock drying forms, each having a hollow base portion communicating with the interior of the sock clothed on the corresponding form, and pivotally secured to the said table so that each form may be independently tilted from a drying position to a clothing position for unclothing and reclothing by an operator; the said table having a plurality of apertures, one for each form, each aperture communicating with the interior of its corresponding hollow base, only when the same is in its drying position, for directing warm air from the said chamber into the interior of the sock clothed thereon for drying the same.

17. A sock drying machine having in combination, an upwardly delivering tan; a heating element positioned above the said fan; a table mounted horizontally above the said heating element having a depending flange extending below and surrounding the said heating element, thus forming a chamber beneath the said table for receiving air delivered by the fan over the said heating element; a plurality of sock drying forms, each having a substantially hollow base portion communicating with the interior of the sock clothed on the corresponding form, and

pivotally secured to the said table, so that each form may be independently tilted from a drying position to a clothing position, for unclothing and reclothing by an operator; and a plurality of exhaust outlets for the said chamber, one for each of the said forms, each outlet constructed and arranged to communicate with the interior of the hollow base of each corresponding form, when the same is in its drying position. for exhausting warm air from the said chamber, through the corresponding hollow base and into the interior of the corresponding wet sock for drying the same.

18. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a horizontal table pivotally mounted for rotation by an operator, and having a depending flange forming a chamber beneath the same; means delivering a flow of warm air into the said chamber; the said table having a plurality of apertures therein each communicating with the interior of the said chamber and forming exhaust outlets for the warm air therein; and a plurality of sock drying forms, one for each aperture, each form constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded condition. and movably mounted on the said table for movement by the said operator into and out of operative drying relation with its corresponding aperture; the said operator intermittently rotating the said table for bringing each form successively into accessible position, then moving the accessible form out of operative drying relation with its corresponding aperture and removing the dried sock therefrom, reclothing the form with a wet sock, and then moving the reclothed form into operative drying relation with the said corresponding aperture, for directing warm air from the said aperture through the open upper-end of the expanded sock and expelling the same outwardly through the weave thereof for drying the said wet sock.

19. A sock drying machine comprising in combination, a horizontal table having a depending w flange forming a chamber beneath the same;

means delivering a flow of warm air into the said chamber; the said table having a plurality of apertures therein each communicating with the interior of the said chamber and forming exhaust outlets for the warm air therein; and a plurality of drying forms, one for each aperture, each form constructed and arranged to maintain a sock clothed thereon in expanded condition, and movably mounted on the said table for movement by an operator into and out of operative drying relation with its corresponding aperture; the said operator intermittently and successively moving each form out of operative drying relation with its corresponding aperture for removing the dried sock therefrom, reclothing the form with a wet sock, and then moving the reclothed form into operative drying relation with the said corresponding aperture, for directing warm air from the said aperture through the open upper end of the expanded sock and expelling the same outwardly through the weave thereof for drying the said wet sock.

20. A sock drying machine comprising, in combination, a horizontal table having a depending flange forming a chamber beneath the same, means delivering a flow of warm air into the said chamber; the said table having a plurality of apertures therein each communicating with the interior of the chamber and forming exhaust outlets for the air therein; and a plurality of sock drying forms, one for each aperture, each form movably mounted on the said table for movement by an operator out of operative relation with its corresponding aperture for unclothing and reclothing with a wet sock, and into operative relation with the said aperture, each of the said forms also having a hollow base portion for directing warm air from the said corresponding aperture into the interior of a. sock clothed thereon and for expelling the directed air outwardly through the weave of the said sock for drying the same, when the said form is in operative relation with the said corresponding aperture.

21. A sock drying machine having, in combination, a table having a depending flange forming a chamber beneath the same; a fan and a heating element operatively associated with the said chamber for maintaining warm air therein under pressure; the said table having a plurality of apertures therein forming exhaust outlets for the warmair in the said chamber; and a plurality of sock drying forms, one for each aperture, each form movably mounted on the said table for movement by an operator out of operative relation with its corresponding aperture for unclothing and reclothing with a wet sock and into operative relation with the said aperture, each of the said forms also having a hollow base portion for directing warm air from the said corresponding aperture into the interior of the wet sock clothed thereon and for expelling the said directed air outwardly through the weave of the said sock for drying the same, when the said form is in operative relation with the said corresponding aperture.

WILLIAM M. CISSELL. 

